Weight gain and obesity are linked with a wide range of conditions and diseases. A new study shows that the timing of weight gain may also play a role in the risk of diabetes. Researchers found that weight gain that occurred during the teens and early 20s was associated with increased risk of diabetes in adulthood.

This is just one of a host of reasons to make sure that tweens and teens eat healthy and exercise in order to maintain an appropriate body weight. If adolescents form health habits, hopefully these will continue into adulthood and help prevent co-morbidities.

Television and video games should not substitute for activity. Adolescents should be encouraged to go outside and to be involved in sports. Similarly, fruits and vegetables and normal sized portions should be offered instead of fast food and convenience foods, so that teens learn more healthful eating behaviors.